Insights with Manufacturing Leaders: Hispanic Heritage Month

Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to recognize the meaningful impact, creativity, and guidance of Hispanic and Latino professionals across industries. In California’s diverse and evolving manufacturing landscape, leaders of Hispanic heritage are advancing sustainable practices, promoting inclusive workplaces, and shaping the way we design, build, and lead.

This Hispanic Heritage Month, we are featuring Francisco Santos, Production Lead at Torani, a CMTA Member company, in San Leandro. Francisco shares both his professional insights and how his experience at Torani, guided by the company’s People-First Culture, has shaped him into the leader he is today, offering a unique perspective to California’s manufacturing community.

Francisco Santos | Production Lead at Torani

Career Journey:
Francisco Santos began his career in food preparation, working at various restaurants across the San Francisco Bay Area. He enjoyed creating food and seeing the joy it brought to others. After a few years, he transitioned to Tree Fresh Juice Co., which later became part of Naked Juice, where he gained experience in multiple roles and developed his skills over time. In 2002, ready to grow further in manufacturing, Francisco joined Torani in the Bay Area. Since then, he has taken on many exciting projects, including one of his biggest contributions: supporting Torani’s move from South San Francisco to San Leandro.

Insights on Hispanic or Latino Representation in the Indsutry:
“Latinos are already a major part of the manufacturing workforce, especially in areas like food production and automotive parts, working as machine operators, assemblers, and in many other roles. Their representation is important because it brings different experiences and perspectives that help the industry grow and find new ideas. As the workforce becomes more diverse, it also helps companies connect better with their communities.”

DEI Efforts at Torani:
Torani prioritizes its people, from employees to community members, fostering inclusiveness and well-being both within its operations and through community partnerships. The company strives to create a welcoming workplace while supporting local organizations such as East Bay Innovations and the Boys and Girls Club of San Leandro. This commitment reflects Torani’s mission: “Flavor for All, Opportunity for All.”

On the meaning of AAPI Heritage Month to Francisco:
“For me, Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to celebrate the independence of Latin American countries, which began on September 15, 1821. It’s also a moment to recognize the contributions, culture, and achievements of Hispanic and Latin American communities in the United States. We celebrate through community events and family gatherings that bring people together to celebrate our culture.”

Francisco’s Proudest Moment at Torani:
Francisco is especially proud of helping Torani transition from South San Francisco to San Leandro. He was selected to join the team that developed processes and designed the layout for the new Flavor Factory. He found it rewarding to know he contributed to building something vital for the company’s future.

The perspective and insights from Francisco reflect the spirit of Hispanic Heritage Month and the dedication and hard work that the Hispanic community has contributed to California’s manufacturing industry. His experience represents the many voices in the industry driving meaningful change. As California maintains its leadership in manufacturing, diverse voices will continue to shape stronger, more inclusive, and forward-looking industries for everyone.

Learn more about Torani, a CMTA member company, and its “Flavor for all, Opportunity for all” strategy and history here.